Newcomers excited

REBECCA STEVENSON
A former teacher, a stockbroker and an ex-policeman are joining a largely unchanged council, with only one sitting councillor, Robin Gwynn, ousted after missing out on an at-large seat.
Deane Jessep decided against running again and Tony Reid died during campaigning.
The beneficiary of Mr Gwynn's misfortune is well-known Napier identity Bill Dalton, who said the vote to retain eight of the nine incumbents running was a measure of confidence in the council.
"I was lucky enough to get the votes and one of them had to give way. I feel very privileged to be invited to join a good team."
Cr Dalton said he would focus solely on good governance. He was in the process of setting up a blog to keep people informed on council business.
Former detective and publican Keith "Spongie" Price, Onekawa-Tamatea Ward, said he wasn't going into council with a big head, thinking he could change the world.
"I don't think anything is achieved by going in with all guns blazing. I don't have any formed opinions. There weren't many changes and not many people voted, so they must be fairly happy."
Mr Price is the frontrunner for the ward with 945 voates, leading Lani Morris with 919 votes but that could change after special votes are counted.
Maxine Boag calls herself the "unknown outsider" but she did enough to win one of the two Nelson Park Ward seats. Cr Boag, whose background is in community work and education, said she was waiting to see where her skills would best fit into the council.
"I'm going to be listening and learning. It will be my job for the next three years and I will keep up my community work. I am very excited."
She said she would actively liaise with Nelson Park's residents, keeping them connected and involved throughout the term, although she did not plan to start up a community board.